Man arrested after disabled residents moved from Chesterfield care home amid ‘a number of concerns’

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Michael Broomhead

Published:11:55Saturday 16 May 2015Updated:05:54Tuesday 19 May 2015

Disabled residents of a Chesterfield home have been moved after “a number of concerns” were raised about their care.

The five residents at St Joseph’s Specialist Care Home in Newbold Road were moved to alternative accommodation after an unannounced inspection by a Government watchdog last Monday.

A spokesman for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said: “We have been closely monitoring the situation at St Joseph’s, which has included a number of unannounced inspections and the issuing of warning notices to the provider.

“On Monday, the CQC carried out an unannounced inspection at the home which highlighted a number of concerns.

“The CQC has now been made aware that those using the service have been moved to other alternative care services.”

The spokesman did not give details of the CQC’s concerns but said a report would be published shortly.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said: “Our staff and health colleagues have been working hard to identify suitable alternative homes for the five residents as they needed to be moved at short notice.

“We were able to move people safely and smoothly to new homes. We continue to liaise with the CQC and the best interests of the individuals are paramount.”

St Joseph’s is privately run by Aspire Specialist Care Ltd. Its website states: “We cater for adults with learning difficulties who may exhibit challenging behaviour. We offer a warm, welcoming and enabling environment for our citizens.”

The CQC has not closed the home but is “in the process of deciding what will happen regarding the service’s registration”, the watchdog’s spokesman said.

Nobody at Aspire Specialist Care Ltd was available for comment.

• Police said on Monday morning that a 49-year-old man, of Matlock, was arrested on suspicion of assault last Wednesday. He was bailed pending further inquiries on the same day and investigations are ongoing.